This Friday sees two recent Heavyweight title challengers in action, both of whom are in what appear to be interesting contests.
The most notable of these contests is in Mexico as former Cuban amateur sensation Odlanier Solis (20-1, 13) takes on Cameroon's Carlos Takam (28-1, 22) in the WBC's "World Cup". This bout was originally scheduled to take place last week but was delayed whilst Jose Sulaiman was in hospital and now looks like it's potentially the Heavyweight highlight of the weekend.
We'd typically favour the skills of Solis but it's his mentality that troubles us and whilst he's exceptionally gifted he's also incredibly lazy and Takam may be able to out work toclaim rounds. It should be a very interesting contest which ever way it goes.
Staying in Mexico for a just a second, we also expect the debut of Jose Avigna (0-0) though his opponent has yet to be named.
The second recent world title challenger in action is German based Italian Francesco Pianeta (28-1-1, 15). Pianeta, who was stopped by Wladimir Klitschko back in May, will be in action against former Cruiserweight title challenger Brian Minto (37-6-3, 24). Whilst Minto should be too small for Pianeta he always brings action and could take advantage of the fact Pianeta enters this bout following his first professional defeat.
On the same card as the Pianeta/Minto bout there is a second Heavyweight contest as the unbeaten Robert Teuber (8-0, 7) battles the once promising Steffen Kretschmann (16-2-0-1, 15) who was last seen in the ring last September in a contest stopped due to rain, we kid you not. Going in to this Teuber is completely untested whilst Kretschmann is proven to not be that good. Despite that this should be entertaining with both guys being heavy handed.
Not all the action is in or around the world level of course and we see that in the US this Friday where the most notable contest is for the West Virginia State Heavyweight Championship. This contest, in Madison, West Virginia will see Warren Browning (17-3-2, 12) fighting the limited William Shahan (8-5, 7). Although there is a title on the line it's worth noting that neither really will progress beyond the West Virginia level and Browning has been beaten the two times he's faced a notable name.
On the same in Madison we have a second Heavyweight clash with journeyman Justin Novaria (3-13, 2) fighting the winless George Oiler (0-1). Although we don't expect Novaria to progress too far we do expect him to over-come Oiler here and actually score a second successive victory.
As well as the double in Madison we expect two more Heavyweight contests in the US. In these we expect to see Dorsett Barnwell (10-0, 5) and Dante Selby (2-0-1) in action. At the moment howevere we're unsure who either man will be facing.